CLACKS residents are being urged to get on their bikes this weekend in an attempt to promote cycle routes in the lead up to summer.

This Saturday, Clackmannan Development Trust (CDT) are asking locals to "Saddle Up" and take part in a morning full of cycling fun in the town centre.

The event will take place at the Tollbooth, Main Street, between 10am and 12noon.

Locals can come along and take part in a cycle ride led by the CDT's qualified leaders around the local area. Alternatively, there is stationary bike relay challenge as they hope to "reach" Perth Cycle Station within two hours.

There will also be a chance for cyclists to have their gear checked over by Dr Bike, while others can make a refreshing drink with the smoothie-making bike.

The Trust's cycle group are holding the event to promote some of the town's cycle route in the run up to the summer and launch their month-long survey to see if locals would like regular led-rides and if anyone would like the opportunity to take part in training to become a leader or assistant.

There will also be a competition as part of the survey where cyclists could be in with a chance of winning £50 cash prize and a hamper full of cycle goodies for coming up with a fab name for our project competitions.

The competition close on June 15 with the winner announced later that month.

Lesley Shaw, CDT community development officer, said: "Clackmannan is a fantastic place for cycling as it sits on the National Cycle Route 76: Round the Forth as well as access to Gartmorn Dam, Dunfermline and Black Devon Wetlands, to name a few.

"We would love to see more local people feeling confident to dust down their bikes and get out and explore the area by opting of their bikes for short journeys rather than the car, as its great way to boost you're health and wellbeing and see to the beautiful landscape that surrounds us.

"It is our hope that our project plans will help enable people to fall back in love with their bike as part of Cycling UK's Big Bike Revival movement and that this event is just the start of more fantastic cycling things to come for Clackmannan."

Places are limited for the cycle ride and so those looking to book a place are urged to contact Lesley Shaw on (01259) 219473.